Glimpses of Slum Conditions Along Senen Railway Tracks, Set to Become Flats by 15 June

The Indonesian government is currently redeveloping the areas along the railway tracks in Senen, preparing more decent housing for the affected residents. This effort has been expedited following an impromptu visit by President Prabowo Subianto at the end of March 2026, where he directly highlighted the conditions of the residents on the ground. A resident named Seger stated that he has lived in the location since he was seven years old. “From the age of seven, I have lived here, and now I even have grandchildren,” Seger told CNBC Indonesia. Life along the railway tracks is also marked by high risks. Residents must live alongside the daily passage of trains, with the constant threat of accidents looming, especially for children. “We always monitor the young children when they cross, because there are often accidents where people are hit by trains without warning,” he added. The Minister of Housing and Settlement Areas, Maruarar Sirait, stated that the government has prepared more than 324 housing units for residents along the railway tracks in Pasar Senen. In addition, around 800 more units will be built to meet the housing needs of the relocated residents. This programme is expected to serve as a long-term solution to improve the quality of life for the community while creating a safer and more orderly urban area. According to the plan, this area will be completely transformed into flats by 15 June 2026.